X-Rays Spex

A Below Average Rays Fan Blog

LBWMF: Rays fall in extras, 6-5

By Leave a Comment

Tyler Glasnow, pictured during Spring Training, tossed a gem on Tuesday. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Rays)

In an uneven game filled with miscues, gaffes, and weird plays, the Tampa Bay Rays dropped their third straight game (and second to those Massholes) in extra innings, 6-5.

Glasnow got the start for Tampa Bay on Tuesday tasked with putting together a quality outing as well as shutting down a Red Sox offense that plated 11 runs the night before. Given how dominant he was on Opening Day, the question begged: would Tyler be able to put up similar numbers in his second outing of the season? The answer was yes and no. Was Glasnow as dominant on Tuesday as he was on Opening Day? No. However, he was very good nonetheless. The right-hander made some big pitches when he needed to and limited Boston to one run across six innings. 

Glasnow got into trouble in the first inning when he gave up a leadoff double to Christian Arroyo that chopped its way down the left-field line. The one time Ray moved up to third on a groundout by J.D. Martinez that was full of indecision by Willy Adames, who had an opportunity to tag Arroyo as he made his way to third. Arroyo later came around to score on a wild pitch to Xander Bogaerts, who subsequently struck out on a 99 mph fastball.

https://twitter.com/ballyrays/status/1379610643444199431?s=21

From there Glasnow went to work, scattering three other hits and two walks across five scoreless frames. He used roughly the same mix of pitches as he had against Miami, although he coaxed fewer whiffs: 52 four-seam fastballs (six whiffs, 33% called strikes+whiffs), 34 cut-sliders (five whiffs, 21% called strikes+whiffs), and 10 curveballs (three whiffs, 40% called strikes+whiffs). And while Glasnow did not have the eye-popping 75% strike rate of five days ago, the results speak favorably for the Rays’ ace. His final line: 6 IP/4 H/2 BB/1 R/9 K on 97 pitches (60 strikes, 62% strike rate, 16.2 pitches per inning)

Meanwhile, the Rays took the lead in the third inning when Manuel Margot singled to shallow right, allowing Yandy Díaz and Mike Zunino to score. Zunino previously reached base on a single to left, while Díaz worked a four-pitch walk. Three innings later, pinch hitter Joey Wendle added a third tally to the score when he drove home Brandon Lowe, who reached on a lead-off full-pitch walk. Yet the Rays could have scored more in the inning if not for a running error by Willy Adames, who was slow out of the box on a long single at the left-field wall — his second mental gaffe of the night. Instead of ending up in scoring position, Adames got caught between first and second and was subsequently tagged out as he attempted to slide back into first. Willy was later tagged out as he attempted to swipe a bag in the top of the eighth.

It also bears mentioning that the Rays should have added onto their lead in the seventh inning, however, an awkward double play took place when Margot “flew out to left” doubling up Arozarena off second. In reality, however, left fielder Franchy Cordero caught the ball after it caromed off the wall and into his glove, which you can see in slow motion in the video above.

As fate would have it, the Red Sox would score single tallies against The Stable in the eighth and ninth innings (respectively) when Martinez drove in Alex Verdugo on a double to deep right, and Vasquez homered to left, sending the game into extra innings.

In the 11th inning, Adames redeemed himself when he doubled to shallow left, scoring Lowe from second. Yet, the Red Sox answered against Andrew Kittredge in the bottom half of the frame when Rafael Devers singled to left, scoring Bogaerts.

Kittredge — making his first appearance at Fenway since his injury-shortened 2020 outing — came up big, striking out Bogaerts (swinging) with runners in scoring position, keeping the score knotted up at four runs apiece.

At any rate, Tampa Bay again took the go-ahead lead when Zunino was wild pitched to third, then came around to score on Arozarena’s RBI groundout to short. However, that lead again slipped away for good in the bottom of the 12th when Martinez hit a two-out, two-RBI extra-base hit to right field that Randy Arozarena got all sorts of twisted up on (four the third time in four days, no less), allowing Boston to win the 36-out affair, 6-5. 

The New What Next

Salvage mode. The Rays will cap their road trip in an afternoon matinee on Wednesday with Ryan Yarbrough (0-0, 0.00 ERA) on the mound. The left-hander will pitch opposite of Nathan Eovaldi (0-1, 1.69 ERA).

Ryan Yarbrough got the start for Tampa Bay and retired the first nine batters in order by doing what he is wont to do: forcing weak contact. In fact, the left-hander limited hard contact all night; just two at-bats resulted in exit velocities of +95 mph, and even then both resulted in fly-ball outs. Yarbrough allowed base runners in the fourth inning, yet a Garrett Cooper double play ended the threat. Then in the fifth inning, he allowed a two-out base hit to Jazz Chisholm Jr., but a ground ball out by Jorge Alfaro whacked Miami’s mole, ending the inning. After giving up a two-out double to Starling Marte that bounced down the third base line, Yarbrough was lifted. He was efficient, throwing 65 pitches (41 strikes, 63% strike rate) total, and leaned heavily on his cutter/changeup combo while sprinkling in a few sinkers and curveballs for good measure. Yarbrough’s final line: 5.2 IP/4 H/3 K/0 BB/4 groundouts/5 fly ball outs.

Nathan Eovaldi gave up one run on four hits and a walk over 5-1/3 innings while striking out four. The right-hander found himself in a pitchers’ duel with John Means and exited the game in the sixth inning with the score still knotted up at zero, but Eovaldi got saddled with the loss when former Rays hurler Matt Andriese allowed his inherited runner to score. Eovaldi is coming off a strong 2020, posting career highs in strikeouts and walk rates. Even so, Eovaldi is 2-5 with a 5.48 ERA in 10 career outings (eight starts) against Tampa Bay. Last season, he relied primarily on a 98 mph four-seam fastball and a 93 mph cutter, while also mixing in an 80 mph curveball, an 88 mph splitter, and an 89 mph slider. Key Matchups: Michael Brosseau (1-1), Yandy Díaz (2-7, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (3-11, 3B, 4 RBI), Manuel Margo (1-2), Austin Meadows (5-9, 2B, 3B, HR, 3 RBI), Joey Wendle (5-7, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI)

You can read about the series in our preview, and I’ll try to post the starting lineup upon availability.

Rays 4/7/21 Starting Lineup

  1. Tsutsugo 1B
  2. Meadows LF
  3. Arozarena RF
  4. Lowe 2B
  5. Diaz DH
  6. Wendle 3B
  7. Margot CF
  8. Mejia C
  9. Adames SS
  10. Yarbrough LHP
Glas.jpeg
Share

Rays 4/6/21 pregame notes, Roe and Kiermaier placed on the IL, roster moves

By Leave a Comment

Chaz Roe could miss up to three months on the Injured List due to a right shoulder strain.

After an abysmal 11-2 loss to those Masshole Red Sox, in Boston, the Tampa Bay Rays look to get off the schneid on Tuesday with Tyler Glasnow on the mound. The loss ended an eight-game win streak at Tropicana Field north, also known as Fenway Park, extending back to 2019, as well as a stretch of 13 wins in 14 tries there. As Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) noted, during that period, Tampa Bay had outscored Boston 95-48.

It has been bad news for the Rays pitching staff which not only is down two hurlers since Opening Day, Chaz Roe and Ryan Sherriff (more on that below), but they have also allowed 23 runs over the last two games after winning the first two contests where they allowed just four total runs.

Chaz Roe was moved from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL due to a right shoulder strain that likely was suffered on Friday when he appeared in a 2/3 of an inning against the Marlins. In his outing, Roe punched out a pair of batters, both swinging, on a couple of nasty sliders with 21 and 22 inches of run, respectively. He, however, allowed a triple and a walk before he exited the ball game. The very next day, the right-hander complained of shoulder pain which did not subside on Sunday. A trip to the doctor yesterday indicated the strain, and because of it, Roe was shut down from all baseball activities for six weeks. He is expected to miss 12 weeks. All of this came after the Rays placed Sherriff on the restricted list. 

Chris Mazza, who was recalled to take the place of Roe, allowed six runs on seven hits (including a home run) and a walk over 2-2/3 innings in last night’s contest … well, for lack of a better word.

Meanwhile, Kevin Kiermaier exited the ball game last night in the third inning due to left quadriceps tightness. The injury appeared to occur in the second inning as Kiermaier tried to beat out a double-play grounder. He also appeared to favor his left quad as he tracked down a double off the left-field wall in Boston’s half of the frame. It’s worth noting that left quad tightness plagued the Rays’ outfielder throughout Spring Training.

Rays’ skipper Kevin Cash said didn’t have an immediate update after the game, although the team placed Kiermaier on the 10-day IL with a left quadriceps strain on Tuesday.

Concerning. Not ideal, for sure.

— Kevin Cash

Infielder Kevin Padlo has been recalled from the taxi squad to take Kiermaier’s place on the active roster.

The New What Next

Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will get the start tonight for the Rays, pitching opposite of Martin Pérez.

Tyler Glasnow made his first-ever Opening Day start and was dominant, allowing only a first-inning, two-out infield dribbler to third off the bat of Jesus Aguilar.

Leaning heavily on his four-seam fastball (40 thrown, 24 strikes, 60% strike rate, 18% SwStr%) and his newfound cut-slider (26 thrown, 16 strikes, 62% strike rate, 19% SwStr%), Glasnow kept Miami’s over-anxious batters off-balance, limiting hard contact while coaxing seven ground outs to three fly ball outs. His fastball sat at 98 mph, although he hit the century mark on more than one occasion. And after Glasnow relinquished his lone hit, he retired his next 16 batters in a row, collecting six strikeouts overall. The right-hander threw 57 of 76 pitches for strikes (75% strike rate) and, impressively, found himself in just two three-ball counts.

Martin Pérez allowed five runs (none earned) on five hits while striking out four back on March 25 against Minnesota. He was the victim of fielding errors from Michael Chavis and Rafael Devers, although Pérez did manage to throw more strikes in this outing after he walked five during his previous start. He thrived against Tampa Bay in 2020, going 2-1 with a 2.30 ERA, however, Pérez didn’t get any wins at home last season, going 0-4 with a 5.46 ERA in six starts at Fenway. Last season, he relied primarily on an 89 mph cutter and an 84 mph circle changeup, while also mixing in a 92 mph sinker, a 93 mph four-seam fastball, and a 78 mph curveball. Key Matchups: Randy Arozarena (1-3), Michael Brosseau (4-10, 3 2B, HR, 3 RBI), Yandy Díaz (5-15, 2 2B, 2 RBI), Brandon Lowe (2-5, 2 RBI), Mike Zunino (6-22, 3 HR, 5 RBI)

You can read about the series in our preview, and I’ll post the starting lineup upon availability. Noteworthiness is also below.

Rays 4/6/21 Starting Lineup

TBA

Noteworthiness

— The Rays claimed catcher Deivy Grullón off waivers from the Reds. The placement of Roe on the 60-day IL made room on the 40-man roster for Grullón. As Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) noted, the backstop hit 20 plus homers in the minors in 2018 and 2019.

Share

TNWN: Rays vs. Red Sox — a series preview

By Leave a Comment

Chris Archer made his not so triumphant return to the mound in the series finale against the Marlins, on Saturday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After winning their first series of the season, two-games-to-one against the Marlins, the Tampa Bay Rays will kick-start a three-game set in Boston. The Red Sox are coming off a series sweep by the Baltimore Orioles.

Tampa Bay opened the season strongly by taking care of business against Miami. Granted, the pitching didn’t look quite Rays-like in the series finale, they, however, managed to come away with a pair of wins to solidify the opening series victory.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox opened their season with a .145 BA/.206 OBP/.177 SLG/.383 OBP slash line on the heels of a five-run assault on Baltimore’s hurlers. As it was written elsewhere, “you’d have to go all the way back to 1948 to find the last time the Red Sox opened with a 0-3 start at Fenway Park. They got shut out in the opener before dropping a 4-2 loss and eventually getting plowed 11-3 in the finale.”

The Rays certainly didn’t blow anyone away, offensively speaking, last season, however, they held their own. Still, Tampa Bay compensated for their average to slightly above average offense by suffocating the opposition with their defense, while the pitching rotation ranked third in the league in ERA — averaging the sixth-most punch outs. Yet, they won’t go far this season if they continue to relinquish 16 runs over the course of a three-game series. That being said, they could find themselves in a position to stabilize the pitching staff and get back on track against the 7 wRC+ performing Red Sox heading into their first homestand at the end of the week.

Tampa Bay won all four games in Boston last season, and have won eight straight overall dating back to 2019.

Pitching Probables

Over the next three days, Kevin Cash will call upon Michael Wacha, Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 0.00 ERA), and Ryan Yarbrough (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Alex Cora will counter with Nick Pivetta, Martin Pérez, and Nathan Eovaldi (0-1, 1.69 ERA).

Michael Wacha finished Spring Training with a 0.60 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, .176 BAA, and 6.00 K/BB across 15 innings of work (five appearances). In his final tuneup before the start of the regular season, Wacha threw three frames against Detroit last Tuesday — a game in which he pitched as the bulk reliever behind Cody Reed. There is a possibility he could be deployed behind an opener on Monday. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in one career start against the Red Sox.

Nick Pivetta, who spent the majority of his career in the National League, allowed six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three across four innings in one of his final spring outings. Prior to that, the right-hander had been sharp during his first three Spring Training turns before falling victim to spotty command. Pivetta has never faced the Rays, although he thrived in his only start at Fenway last season, limiting Baltimore to one run over five innings. Last season, Pivetta relied primarily on a 93 mph four-seam fastball and an 80 mph curveball, while also mixing in an 86 mph slider and an 86 mph changeup.

Tyler Glasnow made his first-ever Opening Day start and was dominant, allowing only a first-inning, two-out infield dribbler to third off the bat of Jesus Aguilar.

Leaning heavily on his four-seam fastball (40 thrown, 24 strikes, 60% strike rate, 18% SwStr%) and his newfound cut-slider (26 thrown, 16 strikes, 62% strike rate, 19% SwStr%), Glasnow kept Miami’s over-anxious batters off-balance, limiting hard contact while coaxing seven ground outs to three fly ball outs. His fastball sat at 98 mph, although he hit the century mark on more than one occasion. And after Glasnow relinquished his lone hit, he retired his next 16 batters in a row, collecting six strikeouts overall. The right-hander threw 57 of 76 pitches for strikes (75% strike rate) and, impressively, found himself in just two three-ball counts.

Martin Pérez allowed five runs (none earned) on five hits while striking out four back on March 25 against Minnesota. He was the victim of fielding errors from Michael Chavis and Rafael Devers, although Pérez did manage to throw more strikes in this outing after he walked five during his previous start. He thrived against Tampa Bay in 2020, going 2-1 with a 2.30 ERA, however, Pérez didn’t get any wins at home last season, going 0-4 with a 5.46 ERA in six starts at Fenway. Last season, he relied primarily on an 89 mph cutter and an 84 mph circle changeup, while also mixing in a 92 mph sinker, a 93 mph four-seam fastball, and a 78 mph curveball. Key Matchups: Randy Arozarena (1-3), Michael Brosseau (4-10, 3 2B, HR, 3 RBI), Yandy Díaz (5-15, 2 2B, 2 RBI), Brandon Lowe (2-5, 2 RBI), Mike Zunino (6-22, 3 HR, 5 RBI)

Ryan Yarbrough got the start for Tampa Bay and retired the first nine batters in order by doing what he is wont to do: forcing weak contact. In fact, the left-hander limited hard contact all night; just two at-bats resulted in exit velocities of +95 mph, and even then both resulted in fly-ball outs. Yarbrough allowed base runners in the fourth inning, yet a Garrett Cooper double play ended the threat. Then in the fifth inning, he allowed a two-out base hit to Jazz Chisholm Jr., but a ground ball out by Jorge Alfaro whacked Miami’s mole, ending the inning. After giving up a two-out double to Starling Marte that bounced down the third base line, Yarbrough was lifted. He was efficient, throwing 65 pitches (41 strikes, 63% strike rate) total, and leaned heavily on his cutter/changeup combo while sprinkling in a few sinkers and curveballs for good measure. Yarbrough’s final line: 5.2 IP/4 H/3 K/0 BB/4 groundouts/5 fly ball outs.

Nathan Eovaldi gave up one run on four hits and a walk over 5-1/3 innings while striking out four. The right-hander found himself in a pitchers’ duel with John Means and exited the game in the sixth inning with the score still knotted up at zero, but Eovaldi got saddled with the loss when former Rays hurler Matt Andriese allowed his inherited runner to score. Eovaldi is coming off a strong 2020, posting career highs in strikeouts and walk rates. Even so, Eovaldi is 2-5 with a 5.48 ERA in 10 career outings (eight starts) against Tampa Bay. Last season, he relied primarily on a 98 mph four-seam fastball and a 93 mph cutter, while also mixing in an 80 mph curveball, an 88 mph splitter, and an 89 mph slider. Key Matchups: Michael Brosseau (1-1), Yandy Díaz (2-7, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (3-11, 3B, 4 RBI), Manuel Margo (1-2), Austin Meadows (5-9, 2B, 3B, HR, 3 RBI), Joey Wendle (5-7, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI)

Noteworthiness

— The Rays placed LHP Ryan Sherriff on the restricted list for private reasons over the weekend. Aside from C Joseph Odom, who was temporarily recalled to fill Sherriff’s spot on the roster, the Rays have not yet announced a long-term substitute for the loss of Sherriff. Shane McClanahan and Josh Fleming are two southpaws that could be recalled, although both are being stretched out for a starting role.

— We want your follows … give us your follows (as sung to the tune of “Skulls,” by the Misfits)! More information can be found below.

Share

LBWMF: Rays come from behind to defeat the Marlins, 6-4

By Leave a Comment

Let’s be honest, even though this photo is from Opening Day, it easily could have come from Friday’s game as well.

Ryan Yarbrough — like Tyler Glasnow before him — held the Marlins scoreless, while the Tampa Bay Rays hit three home runs in a 6-4 come-from-behind win on Friday. The Rays enter play with their first series win under their belts and primed to sweep Miami this afternoon.

Ryan Yarbrough got the start for Tampa Bay and retired the first nine batters in order by doing what he is wont to do: forcing weak contact. In fact, the left-hander limited hard contact all night; just two at-bats resulted in exit velocities of +95 mph, and even then both resulted in fly-ball outs. Yarbrough allowed base runners in the fourth inning, yet a Garrett Cooper double play ended the threat. Then in the fifth inning, he allowed a two-out base hit to Jazz Chisholm Jr., but a ground ball out by Jorge Alfaro whacked Miami’s mole, ending the inning. After giving up a two-out double to Starling Marte that bounced down the third base line, Yarbrough was lifted. He was efficient, throwing 65 pitches (41 strikes, 63% strike rate) total, and leaned heavily on his cutter/changeup combo while sprinkling in a few sinkers and curveballs for good measure. Yarbrough’s final line: 5.2 IP/4 H/3 K/0 BB/4 groundouts/5 fly ball outs.

But, down 2-0, Miami kicked down the door late … and it all started with two outs in the seventh.

https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/status/1378156466692104192?s=20

After Chaz Roe got 21 inches of run on a slider to Brian Anderson (seen above), resulting in a swinging strikeout, and then collected another whiffy punchout of Adam Duval on a slider that had even more movement, Chisholm tripled to right-center. Roe then walked Alfaro, putting runners on the corners and necessitating a pitching change for a left-on-left matchup. Enter Ryan Sherriff.

The left-hander got ahead of pinch hitter Corey Dickerson 1-2 before the former Ray punched a ground ball through the left side for a double, making it a one-run game. Sherriff followed by falling behind Miguel Rojas, who subsequently hit a two-RBI single to right, putting Miami ahead for the first time.

Then in the eighth, Andrew Kittredge allowed what at the time was a Miami insurance run for a 4-2 lead.

Leading up to all that, however, Austin Meadows hit his second homer of the season, turning on an 86 mph Richard Bleier cutter and sending it 387 feet to right-field. Clearly, Meadows is on track to hit 162 home runs this season.

An inning later, Manuel Margot welcomed former Ray, John Curtiss to Miami with a deep blast to left, putting Tampa Bay up 2-0.

Everything changed in the Rays’ half of the ninth though. Tampa Bay started a rally that would net them four runs across a 12 pitch stretch, resulting in the go-ahead lead. It all started with one out when Brandon Lowe dunked a one-out single to center against Anthony Bass. Diaz was the next man up, and he laced a single through the middle to put the tying runs aboard. After Joey Wendle fell down in the count 1-2, he drilled a three-run blast to right for a one-run advantage. They weren’t done.

Margot followed by ripping a triple to left-center on the very next pitch. He ultimately came around to score on Francisco Mejia’s sacrifice-fly to right, capping the scoring.

Not-closer Diego Castillo followed with a 14-pitch ninth, working around a single for his second consecutive save. Rays win, 6-4!

The New What Next

The pitching tandem of Rich Hill and Chris Archer will get the start in the series finale on Saturday, pitching opposite of Elieser Hernandez.

Rich Hill allowed three earned runs on five hits, two walks, and a hit batsman during an outing last Monday, although he came away pleased after seeing an uptick in his fastball velocity. He also got some whiffs on his curveball during his five-frame outing. The left-hander and Archer are likely to be separated and make conventional starts in their second turns through the rotation. Hill is 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Marlins.

Chris Archer allowed an earned run on a solo homer and also issued a walk over 3-1/3 innings in a win over the Twins last Wednesday. He struck out two. Archer worked up to 51 pitches (31 strikes, 61% strike rate) during that turn. The right-hander’s velocity hit 95 mph, and Archer reportedly came away satisfied with the performance of his changeup. Afterward, he threw 75 pitches in an intrasquad game on Monday. Rays skipper Kevin Cash spoke highly of Archer’s performance this spring, saying the team is “thrilled” with his work throughout the spring (1.35 ERA across 6-2/3 innings). Archer is 1-1 with a 3.19 ERA in five career starts against Miami.

Elieser Hernandez posted a 4.15 ERA and 12 K/BB across 8-2/3 innings (three Grapefruit League starts) this spring. This, after the 25-year-old recorded a 3.16 ERA and 1.01 WHIP over 25-2/3 frames last season. A caveat though, he rarely faced a batter three times through the order in 2020. Because of it, the Marlins are hoping the addition of a consistent changeup to his repertoire will allow him to take a big step forward in 2021. Hernandez relies primarily on a 92 mph four-seam fastball and a 79 mph slider, while also mixing in an 84 mph changeup and an 86 mph sinker.

You can read about the series in our preview — as well as the starting lineup and Noteworthiness — below.

Can’t Hardly Wait: Rays vs. Marlins — an Opening Series preview

Rays 4/3/21 Starting Lineup

  1. Meadows RF
  2. Margot LF
  3. Wendle 3B
  4. Diaz 1B
  5. Kiermaier CF
  6. Adames SS
  7. Zunino C
  8. Brosseau 2B
  9. Hill LHP

Noteworthiness

— Not following us on Twitter and Instagram? Why not?! Fix that, if you would please.

Share

LBWMF: Glasnow dominant, and Meadows comes up big in the Rays 1-0 Opening Day win over Miami

By Leave a Comment

Austin Meadows drove in the game’s only run on an eighth-inning blast on Thursday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

Tyler Glasnow fired six shutout innings on Opening Day, while Austin Meadows hit a crucial eighth-inning homer, as the Tampa Bay Rays edged out the Miami Marlins on Thursday, 1-0.

Glasnow made his first-ever Opening Day start and was dominant, allowing only a first-inning, two-out infield dribbler to third off the bat of Jesus Aguilar.

Leaning heavily on his four-seam fastball (40 thrown, 24 strikes, 60% strike rate, 18% SwStr%) and his newfound cut-slider (26 thrown, 16 strikes, 62% strike rate, 19% SwStr%), Glasnow kept Miami’s over-anxious batters off-balance, limiting hard contact while coaxing seven ground outs to three fly ball outs. His fastball sat at 98 mph, although he hit the century mark on more than one occasion. And after Glasnow relinquished his lone hit, he retired his next 16 batters in a row, collecting six strikeouts overall. The right-hander threw 57 of 76 pitches for strikes (75% strike rate) and, impressively, found himself in just two three-ball counts.

I think the last couple starts in spring, I’ve kind of opened up my eyes to like, ‘Wow, I’ve been really kind of getting by on two pitches when I really should have not been. I just think it makes it so much easier for me in terms of options and guys aren’t selling out.

— Tyler Glasnow

Meanwhile, Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara was nearly as effective across six frames, limiting Tampa Bay’s lineup to two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts despite loading the bases in the first inning.

https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1377743960689491971?s=20

Ryan Thompson followed Glasnow with a scoreless seventh, including a swinging strikeout of Starlin Marte on a filthy 79 mph slider that started on the inside part of the plate and ended up in the left-handed batter’s box.

Then in the Rays’ half of the eighth, Meadows drove in Tampa Bay’s only run on a blast to right-center. The outfielder, who was impacted by COVID-19 last season, came up with two outs against right-hander Yimi Garcia. After working the count to 2-0, Meadows turned on a 95 mph fastball and sent it 419 feet away. The hit registered 108 mph off the bat.

From there, it was up to the Stable — Pete Fairbanks and Diego Castillo — to lock things down for Tampa Bay. Fairbanks entered the contest in the home half of the eighth and allowed a one-out infield single to Jorge Alfaro, who later stole second with two outs. After Fairbanks walked pinch-hitter Garrett Cooper, former Rays outfielder Corey Dickerson flew out to Kevin Kiermaier in center, ending that threat.

Finally, after leaving the bases loaded (again) in the Rays’ half of the ninth, Diego Castillo came on and promptly struck out Marte on three pitches. But, they weren’t out of danger just yet; Aguilar put a scare into every Tampa Bay player and fan when he launched a fly-ball to deep left-field. He, however, flew out at the warning track as everyone let out an audible sigh of relief. The right-hander punched out Duvall to end the game, keeping Tampa Bay on the winning side of the ledger.

The New What Next

Ryan Yarbrough will get the start for Tampa Bay, pitching opposite of Pablo Lopez in the second game of the season.

Ryan Yarbrough allowed two earned runs on three hits across 5-1/3 innings in his final spring outing against Atlanta. He struck out four and hit a batter. Yarbrough accomplished his solid line against Atlanta’s regulars, turning in a much better performance than when he faced them a week earlier. The left-hander finished Grapefruit League play having allowed two runs or fewer in three of his four turns and posted an impressive 5.5 K/BB across 13-2/3 innings.

Pablo Lopez had a solid spring, posting a 2.63 ERA and 9 K/BB across 13-2/3 frames, as the 25-year-old is looking to take another step forward. Last season he posted a 3.61 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 24.1% strikeout rate. Lopez is 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA in three career starts against the Rays. Last season, Lopez relied primarily on a 94 mph four-seam fastball, an 88 mph changeup, and a 94 mph sinker, while also mixing in a 91 mph cutter and a 79 mph curveball. Key Matchups: Yandy Díaz (1-3, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-4, 2 RBI), Austin Meadows (1-4, 2B), Yoshi Tsutsugo (2-2, HR, RBI), Joey Wendle (4-8, 2B, HR, RBI)

You can view the starting lineup, and read about the series in our preview, below.

Can’t Hardly Wait: Rays vs. Marlins — an Opening Series preview

Rays 4/2/21 Starting Lineup

  1. Tsutsugo 1B
  2. Meadows LF
  3. Arozarena RF
  4. B. Lowe 2B
  5. Diaz 3B
  6. Wendle SS
  7. Margot CF
  8. Mejia C
  9. Yarbrough LHP

Noteworthiness

— The pitching staff looked fantastic on Thursday, however, the offense looked less so, going 0-5 wRISP while stranding five runners on the base paths.

Share